saw this on news.com this morning...
it's
almost a good idea
at least we'll see less poofy v8's on the road..
news.com.au wrote:
Power restriction on P-platers
December 15, 2004
THE State Government confirmed yesterday it would cap the power of cars allowed to be driven by P-platers and would also force passenger limits upon those who break the road rules.
The restrictions, which will be implemented early next year, follow more than 1000 responses to the young driver discussion paper since its release on November 29, Roads Minister Carl Scully said yesterday.
"The responses show clear support for restrictions preventing young people driving high-performance vehicles," Mr Scully said.
"There is sufficient evidence to take a decision on this matter now."
The Government's measures are:
* THOSE holding P1 licences will be banned from driving high-performance cars such as V8s as well as turbo- and super-charged vehicles; and
* DRIVERS on P1 and P2 who lose their licence will be limited to carrying one passenger for 12 months - a restriction that will apply from when their licence is reissued.
"Exemptions will apply, including for hardship and family and work responsibilities," Mr Scully said.
As well as eight-cylinder cars, the ban will include super-charged and turbo-charged vehicles.
The two new measures will require major changes to the driver licence and vehicle registration processes and the RTA's computer systems.
"They would also require discussions about implementation with both the NSW Police and the Infringement Processing Bureau," Mr Scully said.
"I have asked the RTA to begin work on arrangements so the changes can be introduced in the first half of next year."
It is understood the Roads and Traffic Authority is also investigating the feasibility of placing an identifier on the registration label - a simpler version of VicRoads scheme.
The Government says the onus will be on P-plate drivers as to whether they comply with the State Government's new road rules.
However the new restrictions attracted heavy criticism by some in motoring circles yesterday.
Mechanics have branded the new vehicle restrictions "a waste of time".
"What's going to stop P-platers from buying a little Corolla and making modifications to the engine?" asked Aaron Burgess, director of Ruf Performance at Ingleburn.
"They will still hot up their cars, it's in their nature.
"The Government is trying to create laws that will protect everyone but I can't see how it will be policed if young drivers are getting around in small modified cars - sometimes it's hard to tell what's been done to them."
Quote:
small modified cars
